Daily Devotional

Scripture: Luke 3: [22] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Observation: I know my heavenly Father loves me, He is always showing me, but do I please him? There are moments I think I do, but the majority of the time I know I don’t. Even now I’m worrying about what is happening in our country and I’m more consumed about that than listening to God and trusting God. My thoughts are mostly of this world and I know that doesn’t please my Father and until my thoughts are centered on him I can’t please him.

Application: To live my life for God as Jesus shows me. Make God the most important thing in my life. That I think of ways to please him and not hope something might come along that will honor him. Stop being so anxious about things and trust in God that he will put the things in my life He desires me to have and instead focus on God and not my worries.

Prayer: Dear Father I love you and I’m sorry I don’t show you all the times with my actions and thoughts. Help me be a better son to you and teach me the things you desire from this life you have given me. Show me how to love you the way you love me.

Scripture: Luke 2:[27] Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Observation: We should be moved by the Spirit going where God leads us. I’m so busy with all of my own thoughts I can’t hear the Spirit and miss God’s leading. At times however I will be moved by the Spirit and he leads me to some wonderful places and when I get there, there is God waiting for me to fulfill the desires he has but on my heart.

Application: To be silent and listen for God’s leading. To wait on the Spirit and not go out on my own. To be where God wants me and when I get there listen to what He wants me to do to glorify him and not please myself.

Prayer: Dear Father fill me with the Holy Spirit and take charge of this servant of yours. Show me how to be guided and to be where it is you want me to be and to do the things you desire me to do. I was created for you show me how to fulfill the purpose you created me for.

Scripture: Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Observation: I am the Lord’s servant, we all are. God created us for him to have fellowship and to love him. Jesus died for me and humbled himself as a servant to take the price of my sin. At the very least I can serve and obey him.

Application: Jesus told me to serve others as he showed us when he washed the feet of his disciples. As my Lord’s servant I am called to serve others and that is what I need to be doing. Looking for opportunities to serve others in his name.

Prayer: Dear Lord I am your servant, show me what you desire me to do. I am here to live a life of servanthood in glory and honor to your name show me how. May I please you today with my service and draw nearer to my master.

Scripture: Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Observation: This is not a suggestion or request this is a command from God. We are to preach the good news so others will be saved. God wants none to perish and it is our duty to do the best we can by telling others about our Lord. This is our purpose in life to preach by word, action or deed that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.

Application: To fulfill my commission to use the gifts, abilities, talents and testimony to tell others how Jesus suffered died for us and that they have eternal life by accepting Jesus as Lord and savior.

Prayer: Dear Lord show me how to preach the good news to others that they will receive you as their Lord and savior. Give me courage to speak out in your name and fulfill the purpose you have created me for.

Scripture: Mark 15: 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.

Observation: With our actions and sinful ways it’s like yelling “crucify Him” Jesus died for our sins, we are the ones who put him there. Every sin I commit, and unfortunately there are quite a few, was the reason he died.

Application: Stop sinning! Tell others about our King who was crucified so that we may be free and have eternal life. Spread the gospel and live a life while shouting long live our King.

Prayer: My Lord forgive me for being in that crowd that day. Forgive me for the hurt I caused you and others and show me how to live a life glorifying you. I’m here to serve and not accuse.

Scripture: Mark 14: [36] “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Observation: I will never go through anything like Jesus did but even my small trials I don’t want to go through. I rather everything be smooth sailing and not go through the troubles of this life. God has a plan and the plan will involve trials, Jesus told us so and we do live in a fallen world. God’s will needs to be done and not mine and he will give me the strength to make it through.

Application: To be focused on God and his plan for my life and not the trials that come. To depend on God to get me through and allow God to work through me each day giving way to his will for my life.

Prayer: Dear Father you are a loving and caring Dad and I submit my life to you. May your will be done in my life and I freely give it to you. Use me as you desire and guide me today as I put my trust in you.

Scripture: Mark 13:[11] Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Observation: I have had several moments in my life where the Holy Spirit speaks through me and it’s wonderful. It’s like standing next to yourself listening, not knowing what you are going to say next. At that time you must forget yourself and be still as the words flow forth, being in submission to God.

Application: Allow myself to get in the situation where the Holy Spirit can speak through me. Be bold in those situations and not be focused on my abilities but on what God wants to do.

Prayer: Dear Lord please work through me. Empty me of any pride that might prevent me being used by you. Take charge of this servant and guide me to fulfill the purpose you have created me for.